The New Physical Education Curriculum: A Comprehensive Approach to Student Well-being
Comprehensive health and physical education programming are critical components of a well-rounded education. In a world facing complex health challenges, supporting the development of healthy students is more important than ever. This article explores the new landscape of physical education, emphasizing the importance of national standards, social and emotional learning, and a holistic approach to student well-being.
The Importance of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education
As the world continues to experience complex health challenges, a comprehensive approach to support the development of healthy students remains a key need today and into the future. Comprehensive health and physical education programming are critical components of a well-rounded education. A comprehensive approach to supporting the development of healthy students remains a key need today and into the future. This framework encourages all schools to implement educational programming and strategies that enhance students' mental, emotional, and physical health while recognizing the critical role of school climate and culture on student outcomes.
SHAPE America's National Physical Education Standards
SHAPE America’s National Physical Education Standards define what a student should know and be able to do as a result of a highly effective physical education program. The standards serve as an important framework to address the holistic development of students and ensure consistency and quality in physical education programs nationwide. SHAPE America has just released their brand new National Physical Education Standards. National standards for physical education were first developed in 1995 (and revised in 2004) by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) - which was part of the alliance of associations now known as SHAPE America. During the multi-year revision process, the National Physical Education Standards Task Force reviewed current research, investigated physical education standards from other countries, and gathered feedback from the field through several rounds of public review and comment. The AFT applauds SHAPE America for understanding that educators today need a culture of collaboration, proper teaching and learning conditions, and real voice and agency. National Physical Education Standards through admirably open and iterative engagement.
The standards are designed to be accessible to all students, regardless of their ability, age, class, gender, or race. Brad Brummel, M, expresses excitement about the new structure and organization of the revised National Physical Education Standards, noting that the grade spans support student development and teacher planning and provide consistency with the National Health Education Standards.
Key Components of the Standards
The National Physical Education Standards address various aspects of physical literacy and well-being. Here are some examples of the skills and knowledge students should develop:
Read also: What makes a quality PE curriculum?
Motor Skills: Developing motor skills across a variety of environments. Motor skills are a foundational part of child development and support the movements of everyday life.
- 1.2.17 Demonstrates water safety skills.
- 1.5.10 Demonstrates throwing in a variety of practice tasks.
- 1.5.22 Demonstrates water safety skills.
- 1.8.20 Demonstrates water safety skills.
- 1.12.9 Demonstrates water safety skills.
Movement Concepts, Tactics, and Strategies: Using knowledge of movement concepts, tactics, and strategies across a variety of environments. This knowledge helps the student become a more versatile and efficient mover. Additionally, the student applies knowledge of health-related and skill-related fitness to enhance their overall well-being.
- 2.2.12 Demonstrates knowledge of water safety skills.
- 2.5.18 Demonstrates knowledge of water safety skills.
- 2.8.14 Applies knowledge of dynamic and static stretching to exercise in warm-up, cool-down, flexibility, endurance, etc.
- 2.8.22 Demonstrates knowledge of water safety skills.
- 2.12.17 Demonstrates knowledge of water safety skills.
Social Skills: Students develop the social skills necessary to exhibit empathy and respect for others and foster and maintain relationships.
Personal Meaning: Students develop an understanding of how movement is personally beneficial and subsequently choose to participate in physical activities that are personally meaningful (e.g., activities that offer social interaction, cultural connection, exploration, choice, self-expression, appropriate levels of challenge, and added health benefits).
- 4.2.10 Reflects on movement experiences during physical education to develop understanding of how movement is personally meaningful.
Physical Education as the Foundation of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),”Physical education is the foundation of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program. It is an academic subject characterized by a planned, sequential K-12 curriculum (course of study) that is based on the national standards for physical education. Physical education provides cognitive content and instruction designed to develop motor skills, knowledge, and behaviors for physical activity and physical fitness. There are many benefits of physical education in schools. The Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (PECAT) is a self-assessment and planning guide developed by CDC.
Read also: Understanding PE Content
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in Physical Education
According to CASEL , the Collaborative for Academic and Social and Emotional Learning, SEL is an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a critical component of educating today’s youth and a key component of health and physical education instruction.
Integrating Physical Activity into Learning
During February, teachers and caregivers across the country can participate in Active Classrooms Month by showcasing ways they integrate physical activity into learning and highlighting the positive impact movement has on young people! Special activities like webinars and live physical activity boosts during the month are intended to help all teachers and caregivers experiment and build their confidence in adding more movement into the classroom.
Resources for Implementing the New Curriculum
Several resources are available to support educators in implementing the new physical education curriculum:
SPARK: All of the SPARK K-12 lesson plans have been updated on our digital platform, SPARKfamily.org. A standards alignment document has been created to show the standards addressed for each lesson in the SPARK curriculum.
OPEN (Online Physical Education Network): As a public service of Varsity Brands, OPEN is a part of Varsity University (VU) which serves as a centralized educational ecosystem serving educators, coaches, parents and students. VU is committed to elevating the student experience through its four programs: Believe In You, OPEN, SURGE and Varsity Spirit. OPEN continues to build our own professional learning network with amazing partners who care deeply about the health and wellbeing of our nation’s students. Resources include modules, lesson plans, and more. Examples include:
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- Sport Stacking (Grades 3-5)
- Learning On The Move (Grades K-2)
- Back to School (Grades 6-12)
The Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (PECAT): A self-assessment and planning guide developed by CDC.
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